NYPD detective who was stabbed in the Bronx speaks out: "I have a second chance at life"

An off-duty NYPD detective who was stabbed in the Bronx earlier this month is speaking out Tuesday. 

It happened on Oct. 2 on East 206th Street and Rochambeau Avenue.

Det. Jose Mercedes was stabbed repeatedly in the incident. He chased after the suspects for blocks after being attacked. 

Police say a gold chain may have been the target of that robbery. 

D'Angelo Caraballo and Sneider Mejia were arrested in Massachusetts last week in connection with the stabbing. They face attempted murder charges. The Department of Homeland Security said both men were originally from the Dominican Republic and were in the U.S. illegally.   

They are accused of leaving the detective bleeding out in the road after stabbing him during an attempted robbery before fleeing on an e-bike.  

"The first thing I want to do is thank God. I have a second chance at life," Mercedes said Tuesday. 

Mercedes went on to thank a civilian who called 911 after the stabbing. He thanked the first responders who came to assist him. 

"I almost died," Mercedes said. "I'm going to be forever grateful to those people that day that saved my life." 

Mercedes said he was "so confident" that the suspects would be brought to justice. 

"All I really want to do is say thank you to all those people that assisted me and allowing me to stand today," Mercedes said. 

This is a developing story. Check back soon for more information.